What are you thoughts on boys in the Women's locker room?

I've recently joined a local gym that has something for everyone. Not only do they offer a full range of exercise and cardio machines, but they have every group class that you can imagine, swimming pools, a splash pad for the youngsters and babysitting (during specific times of the day), so the parents can exercise, while the kiddos are being watched.

Well, I'm a gramma who likes to take aqua aerobics and group classes. Being a bit older, and out of shape, I tend to sweat quite a bit, (always have anyway), and need to shower when I'm finished with my activity.

This brings me to a dilemma: What age is it appropriate to still bring boys in the women's locker room?

I wasn't given any specifics about this when I first signed up and ran into a situation. I was taking off my wet bathing suit and noticed a young boy nearby. He was with his mother and sister. I kind of looked around, but most people were finished with their bathing/changing. I toweled off, and tried to stay covered as best as possible, but I noticed this little guy looking my way. I felt awkward about the situation, so waited for him to leave before I finished up. I failed to mention that there is a “family changing room” that one can use, if parents don't feel comfortable about letting their children go into the locker room on their own. I'm not sure why this mother didn't use it. Maybe it was occupied and taking too long for someone to come out? Still not sure.

I've also run into this when I babysat a seven-year-old girl and took her to swim lessons. Her mother wanted her showered off after each lesson and there were group showers without curtains. There was a little boy who would practically race to the women's locker room and strip down the jump in the showers first. I would say her was about seven or eight as well. I felt uncomfortable for the little girl that I was watching. She was an only child, and probably not exposed to this type of behavior. There were older girls showering at the same time as well and I just didn't think it was appropriate.

What do you think? Am I just being old-fashioned and a prude, or should there be a cut-off period for this? I personally would never let my husband take our three-year-old grand daughter in the men's locker room, so I think it should go both ways. Please parents, for the comfort of your child and others in the locker room, please use family locker rooms, (even if you have to wait a little while).